New CPD lieutenant brings more than 30 years' experience to the force

Monday

Feb 24, 2014 at 12:01 AMFeb 24, 2014 at 10:41 AM

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Police Department's newest command staff member brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience with him. Lt. Richard "Rick" Brown, a U.S. Army veteran, fills the internal affairs officer position.

BRIAN HUGHES / News Bulletin

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Police Department's newest command staff member brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience with him.

Lt. Richard "Rick" Brown, a U.S. Army veteran, fills the internal affairs officer position that became vacant with Lt. Kent Buckner's death last fall.

"I'm here for two things," Brown said. "I'm here to make sure the citizens of Crestview receive fair police protection, and I'm here to make sure the officers aren't falsely accused of misconduct."

Brown said Crestview Police Chief Tony Taylor hired him "because I don't know anyone" in the department. "I'm held to a higher standard because of it," Brown said.

"There's no one going to come to this department and work for $28,000 a year when they can go to the sheriff's office for $30 or $32," Brown said. "Sometimes, we're just a training ground" for other law enforcement agencies.

Experienced officer

Taylor recruited Brown out of retirement following the latter's career with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and the Walton County Sheriff's Office.

The officers served on the Fort Walton Beach Police Department together, occasionally alternating roles as the other's supervisor.